Kiala gets a taste of Machakos 'chap chap' style of business

Machakos, to invoke its marketing motto, is simply the place to be. Never mind Machawood, the arts-driven project that was invented to produce real-life drama like the recently-concluded Masaku Sevens.

For those who have forgotten, Masaku Sevens is the rugby tourney that was hijacked by youthful revelers who descended on the township and simply filmed pornography.

But it is the county's economic blueprint, Machakos Maendeleo Chap Chap (quick-quick development) that is winning Governor Alfie Mutua accolades far and wide.

There is the now world-famous 33-kilometre track, produced in a record three months and built to last as long. Yet, it is in the administration of the county affairs that Alfie's transformative leadership has come into sharp focus.

Unwilling to submit to public scrutiny on how he spends public funds at his disposal – Alfie even rushed to court to bar anti-graft agency from questioning him – he could not countenance internal audit, the sort demanded by his deputy Bernard Kiala.

And in keeping with Machakos chap chap mantra, Kiala was quickly impeached by the Machakos County Assembly, a decision that Senate overturned.

There was the expectation that the matter would end there since the small-mindedness of the county leadership had been put in its place.

But alas! Kiala resumed office to find his powers had been whittled down – yet he is an elected leader – while his office was stripped bare mid this week.

It just goes to reaffirm what most Kenyans have suspected all along: Machakos County leadership is in a class of its own when it comes to pettiness.